The New Normal: Creating Hope & Positivity
Town of Normal Newsletter / April 14, 2020
A Message from Mayor Koos: How
Collaboration and Understanding Will
Get Us Through COVID-19
Closed. Temporarily unavailable. Social
distancing. Wash your hands. These are some of the
phrases that you have probably become accustomed
to over the past couple of weeks, while daily routines
have been turned upside down. The people of the
Town of Normal are no exception to these unforeseen
circumstances. One person is leading the pack to make
sure people get the help they need to get through this
crisis. That person is Mayor Chris Koos.
In a Facebook video on March 24, Mayor
Koos assured the community that day-to-day services
and life will continue as best as possible.
“Town leadership is using technology and best
practices for social distancing and sanitation in order
to deliver day-to-day municipal services,” said May-
or Koos. “I assure you we are in constant contact as
we collaborate and lead our community through this
historic crisis.”
Mayor Koos went on to say how important it
is for everyone to keep working remotely during this
time through social distancing, and that citizens will
be included every step of the way. Citizens will be
able to take part in virtual public meetings and connect
with representatives. He also emphasized that daily
public works are adjusting their crew rotations so they
can best serve the public. Other measures to help citi-
zens during this time include suspended late fees and
staff to work from home.
He also thanked citizens’ initiatives to help
donate and volunteer to nonprofits and different food
services throughout the community, which in turn
Mayor Chris Koos
helps the economy. Koos urged citizens to reach out
to family, friends, coworkers and especially healthcare
workers. These efforts, according to the mayor, will
help get the community back on its feet.
“I created this video because I think a lot of
people feel lost and pessimistic. I wanted to directly
address the people of our community to let them know
what is going on and to let them know about some ser-
vices that are being provided to help them through this
time,” said Mayor Koos. “This pandemic is affecting
everyone, but if we work together, I think we will be
able find a way to go on with our daily lives.”
Chris Koos has been mayor since 2003, and
before that a council member since 2001. He enjoys
woodworking, cooking and cycling. Mayor Koos’
main goals for the Town of Normal is to raise stan-
dards for development, improve town/student relations
and to maintain the older neighborhoods in the com-
munity.
Mayor Koos encourages citizens to follow the
Town of Normal on Twitter and Facebook for addi-